[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To practice as a registered nurse, you must first pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)[/hen-ui-link]. This all-important exam tests the knowledge and skills of recent nursing school grads to ensure they’re ready to earn their nursing license — and take care of patients in the real world.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After graduation, the NCLEX assesses [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/common-courses-you-will-take-for-your-rn-degree/”]what you learned in nursing school[/hen-ui-link] — the knowledge base essential to providing optimal patient care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether your test date is on the horizon or still years away, this guide details six key facts you should know as you prepare for the NCLEX exam.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]1 | There Are Two Types of NCLEX Examinations[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NCLEX offers two testing tracks. The NCLEX-RN is designed for[hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”] registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link] candidates, and the NCLEX-PN is for [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN)[/hen-ui-link] candidates. The two versions are similar in many ways but have some important differences.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NCLEX-RN exam has physical science questions and emphasizes assessment and management of care. The exam is designed for graduates of registered nursing programs with a broader scope of practice than basic patient care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NCLEX-PN exam focuses more on care coordination and data collection. It is intended for graduates of practical or vocational nursing programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]2 | The NCLEX Examination Has Four Main Sections[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NCLEX is organized into four broad categories: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiological Integrity.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Safe and Effective Care Environment and Physiological Integrity category is broken down further into subcategories. This is one area where the RN and PN exams differ. This section on the NCLEX-RN version contains questions assessing ethical and legal knowledge and more complex scenarios.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, the NCLEX-RN adds parenteral therapies to the pharmacological therapies section on the NCLEX-PN, addressing central venous access devices, IV therapy, total parenteral nutrition, and blood transfusion.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]NCLEX-RN Test Plan[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Safe and Effective Care Environment[/hen-ui-text]

Management of Care: 15-21%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Safety and Infection Control: 10-16%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

Health Promotion and Maintenance: 6-12%

Psychosocial Integrity: 6-12%

Physiological Integrity [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Basic Care and Comfort: 6-12%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies: 13-19%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reduction of Risk Potential: 9-15%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physiological Adaptation: 11-17%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

[/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]NCLEX-PN Test Plan[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Safe and Effective Care Environment[/hen-ui-text]

Coordinated Care: 18-24%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Safety and Infection Control: 10-16%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

Health Promotion and Maintenance: 6-12%

Psychosocial Integrity: 9-15%

Physiological Integrity [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Basic Care and Comfort: 7-13%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies: 10-16%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reduction of Risk Potential: 9-15%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physiological Adaptation: 7-13%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

[/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]3 | How Many Questions Are on the NCLEX Exams?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-nclex-changes/”]Next Gen NCLEX[/hen-ui-link] (NGN) edition was launched in April 2023. This enhanced version has a maximum time limit of five hours and contains between [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nclex.com/files/2024_NCLEX_Candidate_Bulletin_English_FINAL.pdf” target=”_blank”]85-150 questions[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The variation in the number of questions is based on the NGN’s ability to adjust the number and difficulty of questions in real time based on your performance. The total also includes 15 unscored pretest questions sprinkled throughout the exam used for planning future exams.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the NCLEX mainly consists of multiple-choice questions, there are alternate formats for item responses. Types of questions include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Multiple Choice:[/hen-ui-text] Choose the one correct answer[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Multiple Response:[/hen-ui-text] Choose multiple answers; Select All That Apply (SATA)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Fill in the Blank:[/hen-ui-text] Fill in a blank space with the correct answer[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Hot Spot:[/hen-ui-text] Find a particular area on a diagram or image (usually a body part)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Drag-and-Drop:[/hen-ui-text] Choose items in one box and place them in the correct sequence in another box[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Exhibit/ Chart:[/hen-ui-text] Answer questions based on a chart[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Audio:[/hen-ui-text] Listen to sounds such as heart or lung sounds and identify what you hear[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Use our[hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/how-to-master-nclex-style-test-questions/”] NCLEX study guide[/hen-ui-link] to master all the question formats.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]4 | The NCLEX is Scored on a Pass-Fail System[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Instead of a percentage-based grade, the NCLEX uses a pass-fail system. The exam uses a scoring algorithm to customize your test-taking experience and questions are based on your answers to previous questions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A correct answer is followed by a more difficult question, while an incorrect answer is followed by a question that is less challenging. This method allows the computer to become increasingly more precise in assessing your knowledge.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The computer will adapt your exam — and decide whether you’ve passed or failed — using one of three rules:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]The 95% Confidence Interval Rule:[/hen-ui-text] The computer ends the test when it is 95% sure that you’ve passed or failed.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Maximum Length Exam Rule:[/hen-ui-text] The computer continues to ask questions until you complete all questions on the test. Once you complete the exam, the computer determines a pass or fail final ability estimate.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item]The Run-Out-of-Time Rule: If you have not completed the test within the five-hour window and you have not met the 95% confidence interval rule, one of the following will occur: [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The computer will fail you if you haven’t answered the minimum number of questions.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you answered the minimum number of questions, the computer uses the final ability estimate for the questions you answered to determine if you passed or failed.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]5 | NCLEX Registration Varies by State[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To register for the NCLEX, you must first apply for a nursing credential from your state licensing board. Since each state has its distinct [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]nursing licensure requirements[/hen-ui-link], check with your [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/” target=”_blank”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link] for details before applying.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While state-specific mandates exist, graduating from a board-approved and accredited nursing program is a nationwide requirement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To sit for the NCLEX-RN you must have either a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] or an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link]. LPN and LVN candidates must graduate from an approved certificate or diploma program to take the NCLEX-PN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]6 | Applying for the NCLEX[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several important steps in the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN registration process.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Submit an application to your state [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/nursing-regulation/licensure/nurse-licensure-guidance.page” target=”_blank”]nursing board[/hen-ui-link] or the state you plan to practice.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Register for the NCLEX on the[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nclex.com/register.page” target=”_blank”] Pearson VUE website[/hen-ui-link]. You will need to provide your email address and an educational program code from the school you graduated from. You can register and pay the $200 fee online or by phone.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Receive an email from Pearson VUE acknowledging your NCLEX registration.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Receive an email from your nursing board deeming you eligible to take the exam.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Receive an email from Pearson VUE with your Authorization to Test, or ATT.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schedule your exam through Pearson VUE at a designated testing center.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Complete your NCLEX within the validity dates listed on your ATT.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Please note that the Pearson VUE testing site will not have access to your scores. Official results can only be obtained through your nursing board.[/hen-ui-text]